November is American Diabetes Month and there is no better time to be screened for diabetes. Detecting the disease early can prevent damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels and eyes.

Unfortunately, many people with diabetes do not know they have it until serious complications develop. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine blood glucose screenings for individuals with one or more risk factors, which include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Obesity
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Inactivity
  
• History of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than nine pounds
  
• African American, Hispanic, American Indian or Pacific Island descent
  

St. Mary's Hospital’s Seventh Annual Diabetes Fair will be held on Nov. 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library. Local physicians will speak on diabetes-related topics and you can take advantage of free health screenings and samples. Our certified diabetes educators will be available to answer your questions.

For more information, please call (301) 475-6185.